In an ultrasound system, where are echoes stored before final display?

In an ultrasound system, echoes are stored in the scan converter before they are displayed. The scan converter plays a crucial role in processing the raw data received from the transducer.

When ultrasound waves are transmitted and reflected off tissues, these echoes are initially captured by the transducer. However, they are in a format that is not suitable for display. The scan converter transforms these echo signals into a format that can be interpreted by the monitor, effectively converting them from analog signals into digital data. This process also involves necessary adjustments, such as image enhancement and the application of algorithms that help improve the overall quality of the image.

The scan converter is essential for creating the final image because it allows for the manipulation and preservation of the echoes in a structured way, facilitating better visualization of anatomical structures. Once the echoes are processed and converted, they can then be displayed on the monitor for interpretation by the clinician.